Back in time

The Free Presbyterian witness in Newtownards commenced in 1971 when the need was felt for a separated witness in the town. A number of Christians who were attending the Martyrs Memorial church were approached about it and the first meeting was held in the Red Cross hall in Church Street in May 1971. On the Lord 's day 18th may 1971 the first Sunday service took place in the Orange Hall in Mary Street, Dr Paisley being the guest preacher. Over 100 people were in attendance at the meeting.

Shortly after the first meeting a committee was elected and a student minister, Mr Alec Chambers, served the congregation for three years. Rev Trevor Baxter was then placed as student minister and under his ministry the work began to grow. A permanent location in the town was required and so ground was purchased on the Bangor Road. A temporary building was purchased from the Hillsborough Church and in May 1977 the church moved to Beverley Park, Bangor Road

The first minister called to the church was Rev Allan Dunlop who was installed in September 1981 and under his ministry souls were saved and the work grew. The present church building was opened for the preaching of the gospel in November 1984.

The current minister, Rev Ron Johnstone, was installed in May 2008.

More documents and reports relating to the history of our church can be found below:

• New Church Hall in Newtownards (Revivalist Article October 1977)

• Sod Cutting Ceremony (Revivalist Article November 1982)

• Opening of New Church Building in Newtownards (Revivalist Article December 1984)

• Order of Service for Installation of Rev Fred Greenfield

• 30th Anniversary Dinner Souvenir Booklet - Inside Outside

• Invitation for Lisbane Tent Mission August/September 2008

• Lisbane Tent Mission Report (Revivalist Article October 2007)

• Installation of Rev Ron Johnstone (Revivalist Article July/August 2008)

• Order of Service for Installation of Rev Ron Johnstone

• Invitation for Children's Mission September 2008